Faves and raves by
Matt Kazam
Veteran comic, guest lecturer at the Smithsonian Institution
PERSONAL STATS
AGE: 40
Number of years in D.C.: Been here off and on since 1984. I went to three years of high school in Northern Virginia, then college at George Mason University. I moved away for work a few times, but I always came back.
Neighborhood: Reston
1. FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT
Hawk ’n’ Dove on Capitol Hill. It was even better when I lived on the Hill. I miss my 20s.
2. BEST MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
My car. I wish I had a better answer, but at least I know my car does not stop running after 3 a.m. like the Metro.
3. FAVORITE MUSEUM
The Spy Museum. That stuff is just the coolest. My dad worked for the CIA. He did not have any of those cool gadgets. I used to check his briefcase for a secret compartment. Maybe it had one and I just couldn’t find it.
4. FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS EVENT
Was a Redskins football game. Now it is Sunday at the AT&T National PGA Event. I get to see Tiger Woods, and Congressional Country Club is incredible. Plus, if it was not for the tournament, they would never let a guy like me through the gates at Congressional.
5. BEST PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC
I still love the Birchmere. Always fun, laid-back, and seating is first come, first served; there is something very democratic and fair about that.
6. BEST PLACE FOR OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS
Their homes! Go back to where you came from so it does not take me 45 minutes to drive up Constitution Avenue. Besides that, I would say you have to hit the National Archives. You get to see the actual Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. I always take people there.
7. MOST ROMANTIC SPOT
The Reflecting Pool in between Union Station and the Capitol. Late at night with the Capitol in the background, under the stars, a couple of glasses of wine. If the Capitol Police don’t run you off, it is just about perfect. They always show up and ruin it, though. Up until then it is very romantic.
8. FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A LAZY SUNDAY
30 wings from Buffalo Wings House (13005 Worldgate Drive, Herndon), a 12-pack and football.
9. BEN’S CHILI BOWL, OLD EBBITT GRILL OR CAFE MILANO
I am 100 percent a Ben’s Chili Bowl guy. I have been to Old Ebbitt twice in the last month for oysters and beer. Old Ebbitt is my summer place, but Ben’s is my place all year round.
10. BEST OUT-OF-TOWN RETREAT
I have just recently been spending a lot of time in Seattle. It is a really cool place. The summer weather is incredible. The people are great. It is pretty far away, but worth the trip.
11. BEST INSIDE-THE-BELTWAY RETREAT
The Motel 6 in Wheaton. Try their Sunday brunch. Just kidding. My wife and I always love going down to the waterfront in Georgetown. Even if it is only for a few hours, it always has different feel than the rest of D.C.
12. BEST PLACE FOR LATE-NIGHT EATS
The Georgetown Cafe (1623 Wisconsin Ave. NW). Still nothing better than a falafel at 3:30 in the morning.
13. PROUDEST PART OF LIVING IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL
It is going to sound hokey, but the United States is the greatest country in the world and it is all run right here in our back yard. Sometimes I look up and you see the presidential helicopters flying. Even when George Bush was president, I wanted to stop and salute. OK, that is a lie, but they are still very cool to see.
14. EMBARRASSING PART OF LIVING IN D.C.
People think because you live here, you have something to do with government. No, I am not a lobbyist or a lawyer. I am a comedian. I get up and tell people stories to appease them and make them happy. I guess that is like being a politician.
